Chapter 145: The Dark King Cometh Pt. 4

After making it back to the castle, Cadance was examined by the doctor; he could see that Cadance's vitals were almost nearly depleted by getting involved with fending off the attack. He pleaded with her to get some rest, but Cadance refused as she had a duty to protect her citizens and kingdom. She cast her magic again as she put up the barrier. Storm watched Cadance's defiant behavior as he knew he was running out of time.

The Jedi slowly made his way through the grand halls of the Crystal Castle, on the lookout for any signs of trouble. Despite wanting to help the girls figure out what was in the pages of the history book they found, he figured that his talents lay in picking up where Shining left off, helping the crystal city itself.

Besides, that little attack made him wary of any other surprises the Dark King may have. He took it upon himself to ensure no other creatures could make it within the dome. Despite Applejack insisting and Rainbow asking in a roundabout way to come with him, Storm decided to decline their offer to help, convincing them, which was no small feat in itself, that Twilight and the others needed their help more, and that he could take care of himself if need be. Not that he wasn't grateful for their help either; he just needed time to think about a few things on his own.

He needed to figure out what he would do next more than anything. The book was a good start, and he was sure they could find some good information, but then what? Saving the kingdom was one thing, but finding Shining Armor and defeating Sombra was another.

"What do we do now…."

Only do what you can...What more can anyone ask of you?

The voice rang in his ears as he made his way down a particularly long hallway; its tone was very familiar…

But you can't do everything alone. Even I know that.

Storm shook his head before answering the internal voice within him. "I just... Don't want to put anyone in danger again. I was lucky with Twilight. Then there is Shining Armor. I couldn't save him at all. And then... there's..."

You can't solve everything on your own. I've seen what happens when someone does that.

Storm lowered his head. "I know that...I know, but-"

But you don't want to fail to protect them, right? That's why you want to keep them from fighting if you can.

The boy nodded begrudgingly.

Storm, they're your friends. The fact that you connected with them like you do everyone you meet proves more and more how they will take it if you told them. If anyone would understand, it's them. Twilight more than anyone.

"Huh?"

Come on…for someone who always has an open heart for others, you really like to put up barriers when you don't want others to know what's wrong with you. Storm, I can see inside your heart right now and say that's not what you're mad about. Though you keep saying that's what's wrong, so I can see why you've been thinking that way.

Storm looked away. "That's not the… wait, what?" The Jedi stopped moving and looked from side to side.

Do I have to spell it out for you? You-

"W-who are you!?" Storm suddenly yelled out loud, looking around frantically. "Where are you!? How are you speaking to me!?"

What do you mean?! I…I… I'm speaking to you? I'm speaking to you. I'm speaking to you!

"Yeah! That's what I said!"

I…I don't know…I…Storm…Its me…Its me…Unity…

Storm paused. "Unity...Unity...why have I heard that name before?"

The Jedi was making his way to a room as he stepped in. Inside was Twilight as the lavender princess was reading the book from the library.

"Hey."

"Hey," responded the girl as she turned to face her partner.

"Any luck?" asked Storm.

"None so far. But I think I'm close. If this book holds any answer as to how the citizens of the Crystal Empire could fend off any threat long before Sombra took over, then it might hold a key in helping defeat him," stated the princess as she flipped through some more pages.

"Well, if anybody can find the answer, it's you," said Storm as he walked to a crystal window and looked out of it.

"Hey, I heard what happened after I passed out, and I..."

"I'm sorry," interrupted Storm, not wanting to look at his partner.

"Storm, I'm..."

"I'm sorry I let you down, Twilight. I tried to be quick enough to save your brother. I really did... but... he told me to get you, and the girls to safety... and I wanted to..."

"Storm."

The girl approached her partner as she placed a hand on his shoulder. The princess could sense that the Jedi was blaming himself for her older brother being captured.

"I'm sorry."

"Storm," Twilight spoke as she turned the boy around to face her. She leaned onto him as he felt his back hit the wall; the princess wrapped her arms around his neck while staring into his eyes. "It's alright. I'm not angry."

"Twilight," spoke the Jedi, having his arms around as she leaned in and kissed his cheek. "I failed you, my princess..."

"No... you didn't fail me. You did what was asked. And I know my brother would be proud to know you followed his orders. Especially protecting his little sister." smiled Twilight before kissing Storm's cheek. "You could never fail me, my Jedi Knight."

"Princess," said Storm as he brushed some of her hair that fell in front of her face, staring into the eyes of the girl.

"Come on, maybe together... we can find a solution," said Twilight as she twirled in her partner's arms, had them over her shoulders, and led them to the table where the book was.

The rest of their friends were gathered in the main chamber of the throne room. The door opened as the Jedi came; the girls looked at the pair, hoping they could find a solution by searching through the book.

"So, what's the plan, sugarcubes?" asked Applejack as all seven teens gathered around the table.

[Twilight - She approached the table with Storm at her side. She then used her Force power to place the book in the middle of the table. The others smiled as the book opened.]

Princess Cadance needs our help,
Her magic will not last forever.
I think we can do it,
But we need to work together.
We have to get this right.
Yes, we have to make them see.
We can save the Crystal Empire with its history.

[Rainbow Dash - first page they saw was a jousting tournament as she worked on the costumes for it.]
It says that they liked jousting

[Rarity - another page showed the flag of the Crystal Empire as she gathered the materials to recreate the flag.]
They flew a flag of many hues

[Applejack - another page showed a person gathering berries as she and Pinkie collected the berries from a bush into a basket. She also ate a berry.]
Made sweets of crystal berries

[Fluttershy - another page showed a frolicking ewe. Then, two ewes appeared behind a small hill as the girl led and frolicked with them.]
They had a petting zoo with tiny ewes

[All seven bearers - shared looks with each other as they looked at the book further.]
Oh, we have to get this right
Yes, we have to make them see
We can save the Crystal Kingdom with its history

[Pinkie - turned the page herself as she saw someone playing the flugelhorn. She then played the instrument, causing everyone to cringe and lean away. In the case of Storm, he shoved something into the horn, which caused the girl to fall and choke for a bit as he enjoyed the silence.]
There was a crystal flugelhorn
That everyone liked to play

[Twilight - She stood before the Crystal Empire flag with her left hand over her heart.]
And the Crystal Kingdom anthem
Can you learn it in a day?

[All seven teens - Rainbow helped hang some white flag banners around the set-up stands. Storm helped to establish some tents as some people gathered around; he picked up a ball and tossed it, knocking over a stack of crystal bottles. Twilight held the book with her magic, ensuring everything was set up correctly. Fluttershy arrived with the ewes; Pinkie bounced past next with the flugelhorn, and Spike arrived carrying a large collection of balloons, which he let go of as the balloons floated high into the sky. Then they all finished the song together.]
Oh, we have to get this right
Yes, we have to make them see
We can save the Crystal Kingdom with its history

As the song finished, a zoomed-out view showed that the Crystal Faire was ready to go.

So…having a fair to save the day. Never seen that before, gotta be honest.

Storm looked around to find the voice that had spoken to him, only to remember that the only one it could belong to was the one that was inside him.

The boy was about to explore the fair. When he was pulled to the side.

"Twilight? What's wrong?" asked the Jedi to his partner.

"I... think we're in trouble," said the princess.

To say Twilight was distraught was an understatement. Not only had she missed that there was a torn page in the Crystal Kingdom History book, but it seemed to be the page that told them exactly what they needed to keep the crystal empire safe. She paced the balcony, somehow wearing a ditch into the floor as she did so, her usually straight hair now out of place in several places.

"How could I have been so inattentive? I should have known that the Crystal Heart was an actual relic! I should have noticed that a page was missing. Did those Shadow Beasts tear it out when they had gotten ahold of it before? We need that crystal heart! Without it, all our work would have been for nothing! Oh no, oh dear, oh no, oh dear-"

Sensing her troubled mind, Cadence placed a shaky hand on her shoulder, stopping the girl in her tracks. "It's ok, Twilight. We will…We..." She began to falter and fell to her side. Before she could hit the ground, however, Storm was as quick to catch her within his arms. Her magic began to spark dimly, causing everyone present to gasp.

"That can't be good…." The young Jedi said softly.

Storm looked off towards the barrier surrounding the empire and found it slowly fluttering in and out of existence. With each blink, he could see the dark shadow edging closer until it slowly engulfed the green land the barrier had surrounded. The boy's eyes widened as he watched. "It's Sombra!"

He looked down to see the princess recover from her fainting spell. She closed her eyes and began concentrating on her magic again, forcing the barrier back into existence. Storm could see the shadow rear back before quickening its pace, only to be stopped by the once again erected barrier. Despite this, the Jedi spied something dark, falling into the opened plain before slowly growing into a black crystal. The boy's eyes squinted as he watched Shadow Beasts begin to emerge from the crystal itself one after another.

"Oh no!"

Twilight ran to the side of the balcony beside him, her eyes widening at seeing the monsters slowly coming into being. "What?! We have to stop them! If they get near the fair…!"

Storm stood upon the balcony railing. "Leave it to me! I'll take care of them!"

"Me too!" said Rainbow.

Before the Jedi could say anything, Twilight gripped the girl with her magic. "Sorry, Rainbow! I need you to tell the others to keep the fair going!"

"What?! Why!?" The cyan girl complained. "I wanna kick some ass too!"

Twilight shook her head. "If the people get wind of the attack, they want to use the crystal heart immediately. And we still have to find it! We must keep them calm for as long as possible, which you and the girls will do. Storm will stop them before they can cause an uproar, and I'll find the heart." She turned to her partner. "Right?"

The Jedi nodded before turning to face the ground. "Yeah! Leave it to me! I'll keep everyone safe!"

"Please... stay safe. And come back alive," said the girl as she grabbed his hand.

"I'll do my best, Sparky," responded the boy.

Twilight leaned in to kiss his cheek. Without a second thought, Storm launched himself from the balcony, using his jumping powers to guide himself down to the rooftops below. From there, he proceeded to jump from rooftop to rooftop toward his destination.

Twilight turned to her cyan friend when he was gone, who didn't look happy. "Sorry, Rainbow. I want to help him, but we must also consider the citizens." She released the girl.

"Yeah, you're right, Twi." And Rainbow knew it, as much as it bothered her to think it. She turned to face the way the boy went. "Stupid Jedi, getting all the action. You better be careful."

Storm landed with a skid on the grassy plain. His gaze fell on the black crystal looming over him, creatures slowly pouring out of the shadow it casts. He looked back toward the crystal castle one last time before turning towards his enemies. Turning on his lightsaber, causing every creature to look at him. With a swing of his weapon, he dove into the first batch of Shadow Beasts, his lightsaber shimmering in the sun's light.

"What?!"

Fluttershy Spike and the Crusaders stared at the cyan girl in disbelief, reeling at what they were told. Rainbow Dash had informed Rarity and Applejack before she had managed to find Fluttershy and the kids. After pushing them to a secluded area, she informed them of their current development and was met with the reaction she had expected of them. Despite the joyful sounds of the fair not too far away from them, the small gathering was quiet for a few seconds, the silence only being broken by Spike as he spoke up with a shaky tone.

"S-So let me get this straight...The Shadow Beasts are here in the dome attacking Storm, and Twilight has to find the Crystal Heart thing even to stand a chance against Sombra?"

Rainbow nodded grimly as her gaze focused on how Storm had leaped before she left Twilight. "Yeah. The Jedi deals with the creatures while Twi tries to find a clue where the Crystal Heart could be hidden. She told us to-H-Hey! Spike?! Where are you going?!"

The little prince had dashed past Rainbow, making his way to the crystal castle. He quickly looked over his shoulder as he yelled, "No time! Helping my sister!"

Rainbow blinked before looking back towards Fluttershy, who had just as much of a dumbfounded expression as herself. "I guess that makes me feel a little better if Spike is helping out Twi. But the Jedi is out there alone."

Fluttershy looked away. "I-I'm worried about him too. But...We have to trust that Storm can handle it. He's faced tougher enemies in war before, after all."

"Yeah...well...In any case, I already got Applejack, Pinkie, and Rarity up to date on the plan, so we should be good for a bit. But if everything goes south because of that asshole Sombra..."

Fluttershy nodded slowly. "I know what you mean...but...I think it won't come to that. We have to have faith that Storm and Twilight will win."

"Yeah, I know." Rainbow paused before looking around herself. "Hey, where's the squirt and Aj's and Rarity's sisters."

Fluttershy blinked before she began to look around, albeit more franticly. "What? But they were right here!"

Rainbow looked towards the castle and then towards where Storm was, her eyes widening as well. "You don't think?"

Fluttershy's worry was starting to go into full-blown panic. "T-They wouldn't."

Rainbow deadpanned as her eyes twitched agitatedly. "You kidding? We are talking about those three."

Without another word, both girls began a mad sprint toward the origins of the black crystal, praying that they were wrong.

Storm's blade sliced the body of yet another Shadow Beast, the Jedi Knight jumping high soon after to dodge the swipe of another's claw, twisting his body so that his blade cut that one down as well. Landing on his feet, the boy dashed towards another, his blade swinging with precision as it battered one monster after. He was like a machine, his body acting and reacting to nearly everything around him.

Not too far away, a few creatures were gearing up for a spell, their magic combining into a slowing glowing ball. Storm would notice it, however, without hesitation, jumping off the head of another creature and into the sky. He spun around before tossing his lightsaber towards the glowing magic orb and, upon contact, causing the magic to explode, destroying all Shadow Beasts within range of the blast. Falling back down to the ground, Storm recalled his lightsaber, striking the tip of it into the body of a waiting Shadow Beast. As he regained his bearings, he geared up for another round, noticing more creatures were slipping out from the ground.

He smirked, despite himself, "Heh...Come on! I can do this all day!"

Applebloom's head popped from around the purple crystal she and her friends hid behind, the yellow girl taking in sight with all the admiration she could muster. She and her friends had wordlessly slipped away from Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Despite Sweetie Bell's uncertain glares, had quickly covered the distance on Scootaloo's scooter to the place where the creatures appeared. It took a little while for the girls to find the spot, especially with how Storm was going about things.

The three young teens watched in awe at what was happening in front of them. Even from the far distance the three girls were at, they could clearly see Storm in action as he fought against countless creatures. Every swipe of his lightsaber, every movement he made, and every Shadow Beast laid low; it all seemed like it came second nature to him. It made what he did at the library seem like a simple workout.

"Jeeze...Look at him go," Scootaloo said with amazement deep in her tone as she watched on from behind a fallen pillar of Crystal. "How can he...let alone anyone for that matter, fight like-Oh! Did you see that?! He just destroyed three at once!"

Sweetie Bell was also in awe, despite her apprehension at being so close to the action. "Wow, he really is a hero. I mean, I know he saved Equis and all, but I never got a chance to see him actually fight."

Applebloom swelled with pride as she watched the boy, a small hot blush dancing on her cheeks. "Yeah, he really is amazing."

"Okay...I...I think I've seen enough girls." Sweetie Belle spoke up after a while of waiting, the girl's apprehension winning her over more and more as time went by. "We should get back before anyone notices we are missing. I don't want to get into any more trouble than we already are with our sisters."

"Come on, just a little bit longer, Sweetie," Scootaloo begged as she pulled herself over the fallen crystal to get a better view. "I bet Storm can take care of these jerks easily. Besides, it's not like they can see us from here anyway."

"Yeah." Applebloom agreed wholeheartedly with her friend. "Besides, we can't just leave Storm now. What if he gets into trouble?"

"I'm sure he can take care of himself, Applebloom," Sweetie grabbed Scootaloo and began to pull at the girl from her perch. "Now...Get down from there, or else they really will spot us from all the way over here."

"H-Hey! Let go!" Sootaloo squealed as she tried to free herself from her friend's grip. "Let go, Sweetie! That hurts!"

But Sweetie was not to be denied, her fingers clamping down harder on the arm they held. "Not until you get down so we can return to Fluttershy and the others."

"H-Hey. Girls, stop it." Apple Bloom began to plea, looking between her two friends in a panic, "Can't we just-"

"I said, LET GO!"

Scootaloo pulled her arm sharply, causing Sweetie to release her friend...only for said friend to fall back onto the ground on the other side of the crystal they were behind. Though the fall did not hurt the girl too much, the sight of every Shadow Beast looking her way was enough to send a chill down her spine.

"Uh-oh..."

Storm's lightsaber slammed onto the head of a Shadown Beast, causing it to dissipate just like all the others that fell before the hero. Jumping back to catch his breath, the Jedi Knight smirked. "I've fought droids who are tougher."

It was then that something curious happened.

"I said, LET GO!

*THWMB*

All the Shadow Beasts focusing on Storm would focus as one toward the new voice.

"Huh? H-Hey! Where are you-" the boy's jaw dropped as he saw the creature's new target. "Scootaloo?! What are you-" It was then that the Jedi finally caught on to what was happening. Something most dreadful. The creatures wanted easier prey. And what could be easier than a defenseless girl.

"S-Scootaloo...Run...RUN!" Storm made to rush towards her aid but was soon stopped by more than a few Shadow Beasts, blocking his path to the girl. "Get out of the way! Stop!"

Scootaloo tried her best to get back onto her feet to do just that but would crumble due to the pain of a sprained foot, the girl hissing as soon as she flopped to the ground. A dire situation soon became deadly as Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle made themselves known, hopping over the crystal to help their friend.

"D-Damnit! Stop!" Storm, forgetting to defend himself now as he began to take blows from all sides, tried his best to brute force his way through the creatures, only to be held in place by their sheer numbers. "Let go! Let them go! LET GO!"

The Shadow Beasts paid the boy's cry no heed; each laser-focused on the filly trying to get their injured friend back on their feet.

Storm reached out with his hand, willing himself to reach the girls in time. "I won't…I WON'T LET YOU! LET GO!"

Storm! Focus!

"Huh?"

It almost seemed like time had stopped for the boy as his mind went into overdrive. The sudden clear voice of the one within him rang in his ears.

You can save them. I know you can.

He could...save them? He could save them.

Just focus. Remember the first time you used it.

"The first time. I used it. The first time..."

Storm's eyes opened as he remembered.

The feeling.

The flow.

The motions.

It was almost like lightning when the boy finally acted, time once again in motion. The teen swung his lightsaber in one fell motion, destroying the Shadow Beasts holding him down before his body began to glow in a blue light. The Jedi Knight focused on the creatures closest to the girls. The unfortunate creatures had no time to react as Storm's lightsaber found its mark between its eyes, the hero's glow disappearing as soon as it appeared. Storm blinked slowly before looking down at his hand, the last tint of the familiarly weird energy slowly vanishing into the ether.

"Storm, look out!"

At Sweetie Belle's warning, the Jedi quickly jumped out of the way just as the Shadow Beasts came crashing down where he had once been. He flipped once in the air before landing on his feet, standing right between creatures and the girls behind him.

"You three okay?" Storm asked, keeping his eyes focused on the enemy as he spoke to the girls behind him.

"Y-Yeah…" Applebloom spoke up for the rest. "B-But Scootaloo. She fell, and I think she hurt herself."

"Yeah...Okay." The boy said resolutely as he knew what he had to do. "Just stay behind me. I'll protect you."

The girls pulled themselves into a huddle as Storm prepared for the creatures, ready to defend them. No matter the cost. The dark creatures gathered together like a wave, ready to engulf the four in its maw. Storm yelled a battle cry as he raised his lightsaber to retaliate against them. He would protect these girls...Even if it...

The boy's thoughts were thrown away as a cyan blur slammed into them, pushing himself and the girls out of harm's way in the nick of time. The whole party flew quite a ways before bouncing into a pile.

The Jedi was the first to regain his senses just as an arm covered his vision, his gaze wandering up to the worried gaze of the shy girl they belonged to. "Storm! Dash! Girls! Are you okay?!"

"Ah…" The chromatic-haired girl got off to Storm's side and groaned as she lifted herself up from on top of the three girls, the teen having grabbed the trio as she rammed into the boy. She stretched her arms, cringing as she felt a kink. "Could be better."

Storm chuckled as he shook his head, the boy returning to his feet. "Are you kidding? Could have been way worse."

"Gonna agree with Rainbow Dash on that one." Scootaloo groaned as she touched the ground with a sprained foot, causing the little girl to flinch.

"Ah'm gonna stay positive on this one, ya'll." Apple Bloom countered.

"Well, of course, ya gonna agree with Storm." Her orange friend said with a roll of her eyes.

"Ah could say the same thing ta you and Dash."

"Girls! It doesn't matter who's right if we aren't out of the woods yet." Sweetie squeaked.

The girl was right. The creatures were beginning to reform back into their shadow selves, their menacing yellow eyes homing in on the group before them. Fluttershy was the first to act, grabbing Scootaloo in her arms. "I-I'll get the girls to safety."

The kids in question did anything but protest at Fluttershy's words, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle instantly following after the shy teen and running to cover. Leaving Storm to face off against the creatures alone.

Or...So he thought.

Rainbow Dash stood beside the boy, her feet digging into the ground.

"You won't catch me standing on the sidelines waiting for a hero to save me!" The pilot gave the Jedi a pointed look before smirking. "Besides, can't let you have all the fun. Who knows, maybe that lightsaber of yours might want to be with someone more awesomer than you after it sees my skills."

Storm could only blink at the statement before a slow smile appeared on his lips. "Ha...As if I'll let you show me up after saving me like that. I meant what I said when we first met, Rainbow. You ain't got what it takes to wield a lightsaber."

"Is that a challenge?" smirked the girl.

"If it was, we already know who the winner is," responded Storm with the same gesture.

Rainbow looked at the boy as she pulled her blaster and fired a Shadow Beast without looking as it fell. Storm immediately countered as he threw his lightsaber at another without looking; it struck and was immediately recalled to his hand.

"Game on, bitch!" smiled the girl as the creatures struck.

Fluttershy could only stare in amazement as she watched one of her friends fight from her hidden perch. Despite any confrontations they may have had with each other before, more so Rainbow than Storm, the two were in sync like none other. Despite their vastly different fighting styles, the two acted as if they were keenly aware of each other's position, almost as if it were second nature.

"Look alive, hero!"

The warning from her was all he needed to hear; the Jedi spun his lightsaber and dashed forward at blazing speeds, striking the creatures and dissipating it with one strike.

Rainbow couldn't help but be impressed with the Jedi, Though she would catch herself before allowing her fangirl side to show. She quickly shook her head before dashing back into the fray using her power, amplified by the outfit she wore from Night Light.

"Keep your head in the game, girl. Can't have the Jedi showing me up."

Back with Fluttershy and the Crusaders, the shy teen's gaze shifted towards that of her charges, all three girls looking on with just as much awe as she was, watching the battle intently.

Applebloom's gaze was upon Storm, the girl holding her breath each time a Shadow Beast got within striking distance of the boy.

Scootaloo, on the other hand, was torn between watching the flank kicking that her inspiration delivered to the bad guys and that of the new hero who was just as wickedly awesome as her idol. Despite the pain in her leg, the girl was almost excited.

On the other hand, Sweetie Belle watched the battle between covered eyes, hiding behind her hands each time she thought the two were in deep trouble but never looking away long enough to miss when she would have to do so again.

To be sure, all three girls watched with bated breath.

Fluttershy's gaze returned to that of Storm, her face lowering.

I wish I could do more for you, Storm, instead of just being in the way. I know I should take care of the girls but I…I want to be out there with you. I don't care if I'm even scared.

All the shy teen could do was hope...and pray that they would make it through this.

Storm landed on his feet a short way away from the Shadow Beasts, digging into the ground to slow his momentum to a stop. He would find Rainbow doing the same beside him, finding the girl slightly out of breath, just like himself.

"Hey, you okay, Rainbow?" Storm asked between deep pants

"I'm fine, Jedi." She said with a wave of her hand, though her sweating brow told him otherwise. "I just need to catch my breath, and then I'll destroy the rest."

Storm chuckled softly before gazing upon the crystal the Shadow Beasts poured from. It seemed much smaller than it had been when he first arrived. Putting two and two together, he looked back at his fighting companion. "I think we're almost out of the woods either way. I got a plan. I just need to know... how fast can you move?"

"Just say the word," smiled Rainbow.

"Then run as fast as you can around me," said Storm.

Rainbow could only look at the Jedi, mulling over his words for a few seconds before giving a resolute nod and taking off. The girl began to book it, kicking up dust and rocks as she did so at first before picking up speed. It wasn't long before the creatures began to follow suit, each being sucked into the growing tornado. Storm, for his part, held his ground as the Shadow Beasts began to frail widely within the air pool they were entrapped within. When the cyan girl had built up enough speed, she began to go faster, the creatures suspended by the g-force of the wind that Dash had kicked up with her speed. It wasn't long before Storm, too, felt the full effects of the gathering wind, though, unlike the Shadow Beasts, he was well prepared for such a thing.

As more creatures gathered towards the apex of the vortex, the Jedi Knight began to move, his body twirling as he flew along the outer edge of the makeshift tornado. His lightsaber struck one, then three, then ten creatures, finding its mark upon the helpless creatures of darkness.

Despite putting all her energy into keeping the tornado alive, Rainbow couldn't help but not be able to turn her head away from the boy as he worked, a hint of a smile slowly forming on her face. The girl couldn't help the chuckle that escaped from her at the sight of the Jedi destroying hordes of the Shadow Beasts with ease.

Before anybody knew it, the boy had made it all the way to the tip of Rainbow's tornado; the girl then skidded to a halt a few meters from the tornado she created from her running as she looked to see it starting to die down. The Jedi, not at all missing a beat, began to spin his body like a corkscrew, his lightsaber tearing through the creatures like a knife through butter, hundreds of Shadow Beasts as he obliterated them. He ended his descent, twisting his hand at first before digging his feet into the ground, stopping his momentum and cockily striking a pose as he did so as if he was pleased with the work he had accomplished.

The boy looked around himself, showing off his cheesy smile. "Done and done! Too easy."

Before he could say anything else, however, Rainbow appeared right in front of him, beaming brightly. "That was so awes- I mean," She coughed into her hand. "So yeah," She fidgeted. "That was pretty cool."

Storm chuckled before beaming right back at her. "You were pretty awesome, too, Dash."

Before the cyan teen could even respond to him, Fluttershy and the Crusaders dashed towards the pair, the animal-loving girl stopping in front of Storm, both tears and happiness emanating from the girl. "I'm so glad that the two of you are alright! I was so worried...and scared...But you both are safe, right? You're not injured, are you?" The shy girl's gaze kept towards the boy's own, a simple blush forming on his cheeks as she fussed over him.

"Naw. I'm fine. It looks a lot worse than it is."

Fluttershy sighed softly, placing a hand over her heart. "Thank goodness. I was worried about you and not being able to help...I...I don't know what I would have done if you got hurt."

The rainbow-haired girl huffed as she glared at her friend. "Yeah...no...I'm fine. Don't worry about me or anything Flutters..."

"That. Was. So. Wicked!" Scootaloo bounced as best she could from behind Fluttershy's back. "You two are like…like…Superheroes!"

"Yeah! You two are amazing!" Sweetie Bell agreed. "From...ya know... What I saw between my hands, at least."

"Ya saved us again, Storm." Applebloom attached herself to the boy's lower half of his body, nuzzling him gently, much to his embarrassment.

With a roll of her eyes, Rainbow gave a good-natured huff. "Yeah, well…Whatevs. Let's just get back to the castle. We need to help Twilight find the heart thingie!"

"Oh yeah! The Crystal Heart." Storm nodded. "Let's go see if Twilight found anything out about-"

Before the boy could even get another word, an explosion caused everyone present to look towards the castle just as the very top of it was blown off to kingdom come.

Storm and the girls could only watch on in horror as the top of the crystal palace erupted in an explosion of crystals and shards. The screams of the citizens were heard everywhere they stood, ringing true in their ears.

"Wha...what just...what just happened?" Rainbow stuttered, her eyes never leaving the scene before her. "What the hell just happened?"

Nobody had an answer at first, but the slowly rising figure from the smoke upon the busted tower soon gave it to them.

A figure almost out of a nightmare emerged from the remains of the broken tower. Even from this distance, Storm could make out the details of the being, contesting how large it was. The figure brought back a familiar feeling. The crystal-armored figure was like that of the shadows he was used to, though much bigger. A crystal helmet covered all of its face except its eyes. Yellow soulless eyes scanned the area before bellowing a mighty roar as if daring any to stand against it.

And something indeed did.

In the distance, not too far from the giant's reach, was a vaguely person-like white dot, carrying what appeared to be a pink one and a purple one upon their back and forelegs, respectively. Though Storm couldn't quite see them with how far away he was, He knew that at least two of the dots might just be people he knew.

"That's...Cadance and Twilight! Come on! We gotta get back to the castle!" the boy called out.

He was about to lead the charge back towards the crystal castle when the distinct sound of glass shattering rebounded behind him. He and the girls would all turn just in time for them to see the magic barrier break apart right before their eyes. The harsh winds and freezing snow hit like a truck. Despite the cold chill in the air, something else became more apparent as dark smoke slowly began to eclipse their vision. The sound of heavy footsteps could be heard as a dark warlock slowly made their way from the menacing cloud of darkness, his heavy red cape bellowing, giving his sleek metal gray appearance a more menacing look. Unnatural green eyes were overflowing with the power of darkness, completing his look.

"Hhehhehe...HAHAHAHAHAHA! So good to be whole again!" The person gave a sharp-toothed smile as his gaze fell upon the group before him.

"Hello, my subjects. You have the pleasure of basking in the glory of the one true king of the Crystal Empire."

The Dark King had risen again!

Sombra had returned!

Author's Note: Duh, duh, duh! Looks like Sombra is finally here and who is in his line of sights, none other then half of our heroes, along with the Crusaders. And if that isn't bad enough, another incident back at the castle has occurred. What started out as a simple way to fend off the dark kinf has resulted in more Shadow Beasts to attack while finding a Crystal Heart. But it seems it might be too late. As always, leave a review expressing your thoughts and comments.